Menpō

Menpō also knows as men-yoroi, are various forms of facial armour that were worn by the samurai. The names given to the different styles include the sōmen, janbō or hanpō and happuri.

The menpō covered either all or part of the face. Its original purpose was to provide a secure fastening for the top-heavy kabuto helmets worn by the warrior elites. The Shinobi-no-o or chin cord of the helmet would be tied under the chin. Small hooks called ori-kugi or posts called odame would sometimes be located in various places to help secure the chin cord. The menpō was usually made of iron, leather or sometimes a combination of both. They would have a lacquered or rusted style finish that included various facial features - moustaches, aggressive expressions, fierce teeth, and a detachable nose. All styles of Menpō, with the exception of the happuri, had a small drainage hole in the chin for perspiration drainage.